The Christmas holiday shopping season has started and the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office wishes everyone to have a safe and happy Christmas. Listed below are some safety tips:

• Always be aware of your surroundings.

• Do NOT leave valuable articles in plain view inside your vehicles.

• Do NOT place your purse in the trunk after you park at a shopping mall.

• Make yourself familiar with the area you park your vehicle and park in well-lit lots.

• Shop with a friend and do NOT carry large amounts of cash on your person.

• Be aware of strangers approaching you for any reason.

• If you go shopping with children, make sure you have a safety plan in case they get separated. Have a meeting place and discuss who they can do to for assistance if needed.

Sheriff Jim Hammond and the men and women of the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office wish everyone to have a safe and happy holiday season.